Latest news with #CentralRegionalTAFE
ABC News
5 days ago
- General
- ABC News
Northam shire to remove more works of artist Kirk Garlett convicted of child sex offences
A prominent Indigenous artist in Western Australia's Wheatbelt will have more of his artwork removed from public display after he was jailed for child sex offences. Between August 2023 and May 2024 artist Kirk Thomas Garlett, 50, recorded private activities on six occasions, indecently recorded a child and produced child exploitation material. The offences took place in Northam and the Perth suburbs of Midland, Cloverdale and Mundaring. Garlett was sentenced in the Perth District Court in April to one year's imprisonment on two charges of producing child exploitation material. He also faced the Northam Magistrates Court a week later and was jailed for an additional eight months on six charges relating to using an optical surveillance device to record a private activity. Once prominent around Northam, local authorities have worked to remove Garlett's pieces from public display since his conviction. Central Regional TAFE Northam was the first to remove Garlett's art in what was described as an "operational decision". In a closed door meeting this week, the Northam Shire Council discussed its collection after becoming "aware that a person who has artwork on public display has recently received a criminal sentence". Councillors voted to request the chief executive to "arrange the removal of artwork" which would be "placed into storage until further notice". A shire spokesperson said two pieces would be removed from public display but retained in the shire's collection. This included artwork 145, listed on the shire's website as a 2018 piece by Garlett titled Wardong and Manidj, depicting two cockatoos. "We understand the importance of public art for the community to enjoy and we will look at commissioning alternate pieces to recognise our local artists."
West Australian
18-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
Achievements celebrated at City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Youth Awards
The community contributions of seven people and one organisation have been recognised at this year's City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Youth Awards. Callum Howard, Nandini Gera, Nikola Ulrich, Lillian Kent, Heather Momo, Tehniesha Yorkshire, Mikaela Betts, and Kalgoorlie YMCA received awards at a ceremony at Kalgoorlie Town Hall on Saturday. Callum was named young tradesperson or apprentice of the year. The Hurlaw Contracting apprentice is working hard towards his trade qualification at Central Regional TAFE, while also helping those in need with donated labour and volunteering at the Nullarbor Muster. Nandini won the young community champion award for balancing her work as a career and life skills coach with volunteering, advocacy through the Ministerial Youth Advisory Council, and her dream of studying engineering. She recently earned an 80 per cent scholarship to the prestigious Outward Bound Australia Leadership Program and has been nominated for a WA NDIS Award for her work supporting students with disability. Young cultural leader Nikola Ulrich is well known for her bush tucker catering and the way she uses food to share stories and traditions. She mentors younger members of the community, promotes cultural understanding, and is dedicated to keeping language, heritage, and identity strong. Lillian and Heather shared the youth worker or volunteer of the year award. Lillian, the youngest member of the Golden You Leadership team, has shown outstanding dedication to mentoring young people across Kalgoorlie-Boulder. As a youth mentor, she plays a critical role in supporting participants at youth leadership camps, combining her lifeguard and swim teacher qualifications with an empathetic and steady presence. Lillian is known for her ability to connect with participants — especially those experiencing social anxiety — making them feel safe, included, and empowered. Heather, a youth co-ordinator at Kalgoorlie YMCA, has worked tirelessly in the youth sector for more than a decade. She is known for her outreach across regional communities, delivering youth programs in Leonora, Laverton, Coolgardie, and Kurrawang. Heather also plays a vital role in local events, supporting the city's youth programs through The Y's mobile bike workshop. Tehniesha was recognised with the young achiever award for her exceptional resilience, cultural pride, and leadership. She was selected by Kalgoorlie YMCA to undertake the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea — one of the most physically and emotionally demanding treks in the world. Despite facing difficult terrain and injury, she completed the journey with determination and courage, walking in the footsteps of Anzac soldiers and honouring their legacy. Tehniesha also stands out as a proud and passionate young leader who speaks confidently about her Aboriginal heritage and uses every opportunity to uplift her community and inspire others. Kalgoorlie YMCA was named youth organisation of the year for going above and beyond, providing life-changing opportunities for young people. It continues to deliver engaging programs in remote communities, partner with schools across Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and offer youth fitness and wellbeing programs that create lasting positive change. Mayor Glenn Wilson congratulated all the winners and nominees, saying the awards were a reminder of the incredible young people who called Kalgoorlie-Boulder home. 'Whether it's apprentices going the extra mile, youth leaders standing up for others, or volunteers giving their time to support the community, each of these young people is making a real difference, and that deserves recognition,' he said. 'Hearing what they've already achieved is impressive. They're helping shape the future of our city, and it's a reminder to all of us to keep listening to, encouraging, and supporting our young people,' he said. 'What stands out most is that every one of these recipients is leading not because they have to, but because they care. 'That kind of contribution speaks to the heart of who we are as a community — it's what makes Kalgoorlie-Boulder a special place to live.' This year, the winner of the Youth Precinct Art Competition was also announced, with Mikaela Betts announced as the winning artist. Mikaela's artwork captures the spirit of connection and community among young people, reflecting her vision of a vibrant and inclusive space. As part of her prize, Mikaela will now take part in a mentorship program to help guide the installation of her artwork at the Kingsbury Park Youth Precinct.
West Australian
14-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
New underground loader to help TAFE students learn about mining and trades work
A new underground loader will help enhance the education of Central Regional TAFE students in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Northern Star Mining Services has donated the Sandvik LH5 517i underground loader to expand the education institution's ability to provide the latest industry standard technology at its Kalgoorlie Trade Training Centre. The state-of-the-art heavy trades and engineering workshops were opened in March last year. The TAFE said the donation not only added to existing resources but also ensured students received direct experience with current equipment in the mining industry. 'The underground loader will play a crucial role in our training programs, offering students practical insights and skills that are essential for a successful career in mining operations, trades, and services industries,' it said. 'By integrating this machinery into our curriculum, we aim to better prepare our students for the demands of the industry and enhance their employability.' As well as Northern Star Mining Services, other business involved with providing parts and labour, and preparing the loader, included Dynamic Maintenance Services, Worthy Engineering, Statewest Group, Hydramech and ATS.
